Horn

Horn: Its History and Its Uses Since the earliest times domestic cattle horn has been widely used by man, and the horners’ craft was as important as the plastics industry is today. As well as being used for a wide range of purposes, as utilitarian objects in the home and workplace, personal items (fans, jewellery, buttons and combs), writing implements, and the pressed horn snuff boxes of the 17th and 18th centuries, horn also has a special significance for superstition, mythology and magical potency. With so much knowledge in this field lost, Horn: Its History and Its Uses records what is known from scattered references and from speaking to the small number of horners currently working today. The author, Adele Schaverien, has worked extensively in horn and covers the subject in greater depth than has ever been attempted before. With fascinating new research that has never been published, Horn: Its History and Its Uses traces the history of the ancient horn craft, and describes the various techniques and work practices of hornworking from medieval times to the present day. The book also explores the large range of objects made from horn and the way they were produced. ‘This volume will be the benchmark guide to horn and its manufacture for many years to come. Not only that, it will transform public understanding and appreciation of a long neglected field of historical material culture studies,’ says Dr. David Gaimster, General Secretary and Chief Executive, Society of Antiquaries of London. http://www.hornhistory-uses.com.au/